Coal carrier wins ‘Bulk Ship of the Year’ award

Coal carrying vessel, the Soma Maru, has received the coveted ‘Bulk Ship of the Year’ award for 2014. The new ship type was commended for its versatility and environmental performance at the IBJ awards, held in Rotterdam.

The Soma Maru serves Tohoku Electric Power Co., Inc. and was jointly developed by Sanoyas Shipyard and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. The modern coal carrying vessel has a wide beam and shallow draft design, as well as various safety features and energy saving specifications.

The Soma Maru is a state-of-the-art coal carrier with a wide-beam/shallow-draft design, various safety features and energy-saving specifications.

The Soma Maru was singled out from tight competition for its versatility and environmental performance.

In a statement, Mitsu O.S.K. Lines said it continually strives to “be a world leader in the safe, reliable transportation of natural resources and energy”.

The recognition of the Soma Maru’s environmental performance highlights a new trend in the shipping industry, as experts call for new and modern designs of vessels.

Cesare D’Amico, CEO of D’Amico Shipping Italia, has been an outspoken advocate of so-called ‘ecoships’, which look to “reduce NOx, Sox and other green house gas emissions.” 

Written by Sam Dodson

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/handling/04122014/coal-carrier-wins-ship-of-the-year-award-1641/